As per Wikipedia definitions – “Brownian motion also called Brownian movement where, in any of various physical phenomena – particles (atomic included) undergo small, random often chaotic fluctuations” There is constant movement, although the net vector sum of all motion vectors is ZERO. That means, physically the particle has not moved, in spite of burning a lot of energy with the Brownian motion.

I believe this atomic physics law clearly applies to most of us, at the macro level. How many us, are caught up in this swirl of Brownian motion at the professional and personal levels? It is often a powerful invisible force we seem to have no control over, although we can see its adverse effects. Our lives are not moving in any direction – forget about the right direction. Everyday seems to be the same and our robotic behavior is predictable, day-after-day. We feel drained at times, and lose the driving force of life – motivation

At a professional level possibly, your work has become repetitive and routine. Like the atomic particle that cannot seem to get anywhere, you find yourself around the same spot, in spite of lots of heavy lifting and daily grind at the wheel – after possibly, years at the same job. It is possible you need to push yourself to the next level at your workplace, or, if that is not an option – pursue new opportunities that will challenge you. There is never a guarantee that the green grass on the outside is actually green, when you get to it. At the very least it will invigorate you to feel that you are doing something different and moving ahead in your life.

At a personal level this may occur as mid-life crisis, or even with younger/newer family units who have lost some of the early energy driving them together. Unfortunately the option available professionally is not something I would promote at the personal level. Everyone, at some stage in their family lives will go through this. So if you are experiencing it – you are not alone. The solution is to identify that you are either “in your personal Brownian motion swirl” already, or about to be sucked into it. Only you can decide what changes you have to make – as every situation is unique. You need to ensure that you add fun stuff and variety to an otherwise routine personal life.

Another point to note is that the (poor) atomic particle governed by the Brownian motion law, has no other options. Its constant motion, results in no movement. It has been ordained by the physical laws to undergo this form of existence. We Humans are far superior beings and have the ability and self-awareness to recognize if we are stuck in this “static state” and take steps to get out of it, and take control of our lives.

Unfortunately for most of 2020 the denizens of this beautiful blue planet have lost their freedom. They have been forced into the ‘Covid-19 Brownian motion swirl’ and there is very little we can do about it. We feel a loss of control and appear stuck-in-time. That is the negative side of our plight. The positive side is that many people have suddenly found the free time due to the ‘static bondage’ – to pursue their passions. Writing, music, painting, reading, karaoke, learning new skills, new languages, cooking, are just a few to note that folks have started pursuing. This goes to show, that the human spirit cannot and should not be ‘bound’ in a static coma.

So, if you sense the effects of ‘Brownian motion’ in your professional or personal lives – go free yourselves. Only you can help yourself.